EAT AT the autumn moon festival at Golden Dragon, Taj Krishna and undertake a culinary journey of China. For, there is quite a bit of traditional food. Legends abound on this festival, also called the Harvest festival, as it is the time (signals the beginning of autumn) for the farmer to harvest his crop. There are legends which include the fairy who lives on the moon, Lady Chang Er and her pet jade rabbit and the woodcutter Wu Kang. The moon is at brightest best and therefore it's time for festivity and celebration. And what better way than food. A special moon cake is made on the occasion. Chef Wang Li creates this moon cake - a pastry filled with bean paste and made in a special mould which has the Chinese letters inscribed on it. When the cake is baked the round shape displays the calligraphy.

For this moon festival, which symbolises family reunions, there is a `sculpture' of a tree with a huge round moon bearing the image of a `goddess' at the entrance to the restaurant. A table displays some seafood like lobsters, which is however not close to the eating area. A special Autumn moon menu has been worked out by Chef Khosla (Executive Chef) and Wang Li (the Chinese chef who has been at Golden Dragon for some time now). Some traditional favourites like La giao lobster (lobster tossed with fresh chilli and spring onion), tea-smoked crispy duck (duck marinated overnight with Chinese tea leaves and spices, smoked and deep fried), Tung kwa Cantonese style (sliced white pumpkin stir-fired with ginger) besides the moon cake are specially cooked for the occasion. Other new items include Bean thread in X.O. sauce and moonfan rice.

Otherwise the menu is large with quite exotic dishes. Starters, soups, main course and desserts - there are items aplenty. The repertoire for the veggies is limited compared to the non-vegetarians.

The connoisseurs of Chinese food particularly those fond of Golden Dragon food can still indulge in their all time favourites as well during the festival. Golden fried prawns, Crispy spinach, Steam dumpling, Beijing duck, Ginger chicken, Sweet and sour fish... the list is quite big.

The festival (with the ala carte menu) is open for lunch and dinner till September 21. Do not forget to eat the traditional moon cake.